Surfing added to the 2020 Olympics

Today, August 3, 2016, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced their decision by to add Surfing to the Sports Program for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The decision was made at the 129th IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro and is being called “the most comprehensive evolution of the Olympic programme in modern history.” Along with surfing, skateboarding, karate, baseball/softball and climbing were added. Temporary venues were suggested that offer urban settings in contrast to the tradition venues for events like skateboarding and climbing. This marked a historic step for the Games.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori said, “The inclusion of new sports will afford young athletes the chance of a lifetime to realize their dreams of competing in the Olympic Games – the world's greatest sporting stage – and inspire them to achieve their best, both in sport and in life.”

The announcement that surfers could now achieve the olympic honor was reason to celebrate for many. President of The International Surfing Association (ISA) Fernando Aguerre, said:
 
"After decades of hard work and dedication we are absolutely thrilled that Surfing will officially join the Olympic Sports Program at Tokyo 2020. Our Olympic dream has now become a reality and on behalf of the entire Surfing family I would like to express our sincere thanks to the IOC and Tokyo 2020 for their pioneering vision in making this historic decision possible.”